The Union Cycliste Internationale’s (UCI) Ethics Commission – a body acting independently of the International Federation’s administration – announces its decision in the case involving Mr Edgar Carballo Gonzalez, a Spanish downhill and enduro mountain bike rider.
The proceedings followed a complaint submitted by another rider via the UCI’s confidential reporting platform, UCI SpeakUp, reporting an incident of a sexual nature that occurred in her van, which was located in the official parking area of a UCI International Calendar event.
Based on the elements brought to its attention, the Commission concluded that Mr Carballo Gonzalez’s sexual and non-consensual actions (making sexual advances, with inappropriate physical contact and the use of the word “rape”, after having been told by the complainant that they would not have any sexual interaction because she had a boyfriend) violated her dignity and represented sexual harassment.
As a result, Mr Gonzalez was found to have committed breaches of Article 6.4 of the UCI Code of Ethics (Protection of physical and mental integrity) and Article 2.3 (Sexual harassment) of Appendix 1 of the Code, and was handed a one-year suspension from all cycling-related activities.
The UCI takes note of the decision of the Ethics Commission (which remains subject to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport - CAS) and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of cycling and ensuring a safe environment for all.
In line with this objective, the UCI issues a reminder that it provides a confidential and secure reporting platform, UCI SpeakUp, where individuals are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns.